News
4 October 2021
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Bishop’s messages
Missouri Catholic Conference Annual Assembly
The Missouri Catholic Conference offers its Annual Assembly this year in a virtual format. As Catholic teaching informs us, there is a broad spectrum of issues important to the Catholic faith. This spectrum is highlighted in the varying episodes of MCC from the Capitol; topics include pro-life concerns, refugee resettlement, race relations, housing crises, and more. Learn more at https://mocatholic.org/news-and-events/annual-assembly-2021
Participation in Rite of Election
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be March 6, 2022, at 3 pm. Catechumenate coordinators are asked to complete this form by Dec. 10, 2021, to allow adequate planning. For more information, please contact Kris Hartman.
Videos of the presentations at the most recent parish staff business meeting are now online.
Seeking baptismal font
St. Phillip in Versailles is seeking a “new to us” baptismal font, to replace their current font, which is in need of repairs. Please contact Becky Samson at 573-378-5958.
Blessing of the Animals
Many parishes celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with a Blessing of the Animals. This feast day honors our patron saint of animals and his care and respect for each creature. It’s a wonderful moment to celebrate God’s gifts to us. Is there something happening in your parish or school? Send your information to communication@diojeffcity.org and follow up with photos so we may all share the joy in this special tradition.
New Marriage preparation facilitator training Nov. 13
Priests, deacons, Parish Life Coordinators (PLCs) and lay marriage preparation facilitators who have not been trained for the new diocesan marriage preparation process can attend a one day training on Sept. 18 or Nov. 13. Trainings are available in English and Spanish. Although the Zoom option for these trainings will be available, we kindly ask participants to attend in person. Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Priests and PLCs who have not been able to attend a training can register for one of the trainings for lay facilitators or for a recorded video training for priests and PLCs only. The latter option is a brief version (three hours). If you select the latter option, you will receive a link with a recorded video training and the instructions you need to become a certified Prepare/Enrich (P/E) facilitator. You need to be certified by P/E in order to be able to use the P/E assessment in your parish.
All the resources to implement our marriage preparation policy are now available on the marriage preparation webpage. The material is available through password-protected links at diojeffcity.org/marriage-preparation. If you are involved in marriage preparation and have not received an email with instructions on how to access the material, please email Jamie at faithformation@diojeffcity.org.
For more information, please contact Jamie at faithformation@diojeffcity.org. Our Engaged Encounter weekends and Pre-Cana conferences are postponed until 2022. Please refer to the Marriage Preparation Programs & Resources document for other options to fulfill the requirement for Component II.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
CSA 2022
This year, we have a goal of $2 million for the parishes participating in the CSA. Resources are now available on our website, including bulletin announcements, graphics, pulpit announcements and prayers of the faithful. A toolkit of resources will be distributed at the priests’ institute in October.
Cursillo weekends coming soon!
Please note the fall men and women’s Cursillo Weekends are quickly approaching. The men’s weekend will be Sept 30-Oct 3 and the women’s will be Nov 4-7. Both to be held in Moberly. Please get those applications in asap! For more information please see your parish contact, visit diojeffcity.org/cursillo or call Marcia Doll at 573-999-5066,
Bishop McKnight’s prayer intention for the diocese
Employment opportunities
Our Catholic schools are hiring! Go to diojeffcity.org/employment-in-our-catholic-schools/ to learn more!
The president and CEO of The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, is responsible for the overall management and growth of the Shrine to ensure that it has the facilities, administration, spiritual programs, and financial means to carry out its mission for future generations. The Shrine seeks a highly motivated, entrepreneurial leader who can lead the growth and operations of the Shrine to become a world class pilgrimage site. The right leader is an experienced and proven executive who can build a team and work with the Board of Directors and staff to establish and execute long-range goals and strategies. This person will be the face of the organization. This full-time permanent position is for immediate hire at The Lake of the Ozarks, Laurie, Missouri. A full description is available online.
St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia is seeking a Custodial and Maintenance Technician. This position coordinates maintenance with various Newman contractors; does routine repairs and maintenance; patrols the parking lot; event set-up and tear-down; maintains inventory of bathroom and cleaning supplies; and performs clean-up and trash roundup not done by contractors. Applicant should have a high school diploma or equivalent; maintain a valid driver’s license; have ability to read and follow written and oral instructions; have the ability to lift and carry tables, chairs, equipment, etc. Compensation is hourly, about 20 hours per week; does not include benefits. Applications accepted until position is filled. Applicants should submit a letter of application to Father Dan Merz, SLD, at frdan@comonewman.org.
The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) is seeking a communications director. MCC is the public policy agency of the Catholic Church in Missouri. The MCC is actively involved in all levels of government, especially state and federal issues. The MCC promotes the common good by advocating for public policy that upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life. The MCC communications director oversees the conference’s various methods of communications, including designing its publications: a weekly email newsletter, two printed publications (one quarterly, one bimonthly), and producing the podcast, MCC from the Capitol. He or she is also responsible for managing the MCC’s social media accounts, website, writing and photography needs. This position is best suited for a creative thinker interested in promoting the mission of the MCC in an engaging, thoughtful manner. The ideal candidate is familiar with/or open to learning Facebook, Twitter, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Google Business Suite, and Audacity. Please contact mocatholic@mocatholic.org or communications@mocatholic.org with further inquiries.
St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City is seeking an Organist/Director of Music and Liturgy. The primary functions of the Organist and Director of Music are to assure, direct and facilitate the continuous quality of the music ministry and to assist the Pastor in directing the liturgical functions at St. Peter Parish. For a detailed description please go to www.saintpeterjc.org/employment
